Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of a woman's womb (uterus), ovaries, or fallopian tubes.

Laparoscopy is performed when less-invasive surgery is desired. It is also called "band-aid" surgery because only small incisions need to be made to accommodate the small surgical instruments that are used to view the abdominal contents and perform the surgery.

External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries and cervix.

Endometritis is the inflammation and/or irritation of the endometrium. It is usually caused by an infection.

The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.

Causes

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection caused by bacteria. When bacteria from the vagina or cervix travel to your womb, fallopian tubes, or ovaries they can cause an infection.

Most of the time, PID is caused by bacteria from chlamydia and gonorrhea. These are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having unprotected sex with someone who has an STI can cause PID.

You can have PID and not have any symptoms. For example, chlamydia can cause PID with no symptoms. Women who have an ectopic pregnancy or who are infertile often have PID caused by chlamydia. An ectopic pregnancy is when an egg grows outside of the uterus. It puts the mother's life in danger.

Treatment

Your provider will often have you start taking antibiotics while waiting for your test results.

If you have mild PID:

Your provider will give you a shot containing an antibiotic.

You will be sent home with antibiotic pills to take for up to 2 weeks.

You will need to follow-up closely with your provider.

If you have more severe PID:

You may need to stay in the hospital.

You may be given antibiotics through a vein (IV).

Later, you may be given antibiotic pills to take by mouth.

There are many different antibiotics that can treat PID. Some are safe for pregnant women. Which type you take depends on the cause of the infection. You may receive a different treatment if you have gonorrhea or chlamydia.

If your PID is caused by an STI like gonorrhea or chlamydia, your sexual partner must be treated as well.

If you have more than 1 sexual partner, they must all be treated.

If your partner is not treated, he or she can infect you again, or can infect other people in the future.

Both you and your partner must finish taking all of the prescribed antibiotics.

Use condoms until you both have finished taking antibiotics.

Possible Complications

PID infections can cause scarring of the pelvic organs. This can lead to: